Blatter: World Cup corruption probe to stay secret

FIFA President Sepp Blatter says ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia’s report into alleged corruption in the 2018-2022 World Cup bidding will stay secret.

Blatter says no member of his executive committee asked for the report to be published at its meeting on Friday.

Garcia issued a statement on Wednesday calling for FIFA’s ruling board to allow “appropriate publication” of his work. He has submitted first-draft reports totaling 430 pages from his investigative team.

Several FIFA board members have publicly backed the American prosecutor, with some seeking full disclosure.

Blatter says those members “were not there” on Dec. 2, 2010 when the board gave Russia and Qatar hosting rights.

Garcia’s initial reports recommend further action against some FIFA voters.

Verdicts are expected from FIFA ethics judge Joachim Eckert around April.